Ask Away! with Jeff Smith: A Quick Guide to Engine Bearings
I am about to rebuild my first small block Chevy and I’ve been looking at parts and prices and noticed something. The bearing companies list several part numbers for things like main bearings for my 350 Chevy. The prices seem to vary quite a bit – much more than I expected. I’m going to assume
Iron Eagle: Building an Iron-Block LQ4 LS Engine
Chevy fan or not, you can’t deny the performance potential of GM’s LS series engines. They share most internal and external components with each other and fit in nearly any place a Gen I Chevy small block can fit. When you see Mustang folks run LS engines, you know GM hit a home run. We
Video: Installing a Spartan Locker in a Dana 30 Axle Carrier
Follow step-by-step how to install a lunchbox-style Spartan Locker into a Dana 30 axle carrier by watching this video, and learn the tips and tricks to the pros use to make the job simple and fast. From taking stock of all the pieces and parts, through pins and springs assembly, how to line up couplers
Mailbag: Choosing Fuel Lines for a Street Rod Build
Q: I’m getting ready to plumb my ’33 Ford with new fuel lines. What type of line should I be using? A: It’s no secret, the formulation of pump gas has changed dramatically over the years. Your next fill up is likely to contain a blend of gasoline and ethyl alcohol (ethanol), plus an ever-changing recipe of
Quick Tech: An Intro to Isotropic Finishing and How it Could Benefit Your Ring and Pinion Set
US Gear recently announced it will sell off-the-shelf gear sets with Isotropic Superfinishing (ISF) treatment. For many, this news begs the question: What the heck is Isotropic Superfinishing? For those of us who spent high school science class playing paper football and doodling in our Trapper Keeper, the concepts of isotropy and isotropic finishes is a bit of
Infographic: Cylinder Head Torque Sequences for GM 4-Cylinder Engines
Following rules isn’t always fun, and being unique often sounds appealing. But when it comes to torque sequences and recommended torque specifications, doing the “boring,” rule-following thing is strongly encouraged, as that is how we achieve good, reliable seals. Torque specifications vary by fastener brand, the lubricants we use, and other things. But the correct head bolt
Video: Maximize Diesel Performance with Diesel Fuel Pumps
The longer diesel fuel sits in your fuel system and tank, the more it can become contaminated with water, sludge, and solidify into gel which restricts fuel flow and robs power from your engine, says Summit Racing tech adviser Carl Pritts. Diesel fuel pumps are an effective way to keep diesel fuel clean. In this video
Mailbag: Using Rail vs. Non-Rail Rockers on Early Small Fords
Q: I have a question about a 1966 Mustang with a 289 V8. I have rebuilt the engine and replaced the stock heads with a set of 1968 302 heads rebuilt by a local machine shop. I replaced the cam with one whose specs match the ones recommended by Edelbrock for use with its Performer
Ask Away! with Jeff Smith: Facts and Myths About Coolants and Coolant Additives
Now that the temperature is heating up and my engine seems to be running hotter, I’m reading all kinds of stuff on the internet about different coolants. I’ve also seen claims about additives you can just pour in and the engine will run cooler. Do any of these work? D.P. Jeff Smith: Over the years,
Dana 30 Hub Conversion: Installing an Alloy USA Manual Locking Hub Conversion Kit
When Mike Barnes bought new tires for his 1997 Jeep Cherokee, he had no idea that the increased traction of the Yokohama Geolandar M/T tires might cause a weak link in his Cherokee’s driveline. He later found out from fellow club members that the enhanced traction of the Yokohama Geolandar M/T has almost eliminated the




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